Does anybody have any suggestions for comfortable dress shoes? I have got to re-enter the working world ( :() and need to find some shoes that are comfortable to be worn all day long.
Has anybody ever worn any of what they call "Character Shoes"? These are shoes that dancers usually wear. I'm thinking if dancers can wear them and dance, etc. that they might be something to consider.
I've only found two really comfortable shoes ever . . . one is a pair of sandals (which are falling apart, I have worn them so much - not appropriate for work), and a pair of short boots that I've worn out too.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bucky
Hi Bucky,
I like to wear Easy Spirit, but they are a bit pricey in my area (I go to an outlet a few hours away to buy two to three pair at a time, and they do last a while as well). They sure hope keep this ol' feet going in the right direction!
Good luck and I hope that you find a comfortable pair soon -
Patze
Bucky, I'm not sure where you live and what climate you're dealing with. I''m in Michigan and sandals just wouldn't cut it just now. ;D ;D Do you wear pants part of the time, or all of the time? Do you wear skirts occasionally? How old are you "Solidly" built or a little more slender?
I'm thinking you can get a good pair for probably around $100. I would go where they may offer orthotics, not that you need them, but they are likely to have sturdy, simple shoes that don't look like barn stormers. I worked with a lady who had bad feet and she often dressed up for work and had a pair of Mary Janes which really looked nice with pants or a skirt. If I'd stayed working, I might have bought a pair.
It matters is you sit all day, or have to walk a lot. Tell us more and maybe you can get more opinions. I see that Patze just posted and I agree with Easy Spirit and if you have an outlet nearby. One idea is if you find a comfortable shoe that you really like, buy it in another color.
Lucy - I'm in Central IL - yes, the sandals are going into moth balls until Spring. ;)
I don't have a job yet . . but, I have applied. Depends on what I end up doing - but, I am hoping to get a Hostess job. That means I will be on my feet quite a bit.
I'm not looking for any spiky heels that's for sure! :o :D I'm not sure if there will be a dress code, but nonetheless, I want a comfortable pair of shoes to wear to church w/dresses, dress pants and also use for work.
I don't want any granny shoes but some of the styles today are u-g-l-y!! ::) I'm looking for a black pair of pumps (I think) or along that line.
My problem ends up being I am between sizes. One size is a tad bit too tight, go up a 1/2 size and they are too big. I've even stuck things in the back of the shoes and that's not comfortable either. I've tried wide shoes and they don't work either.
I think there's an outlet mall within an hour of me.
Bucky
Bucky,
I have trouble wearing dress shoes (especially heels) due to bunions and low back issues. That makes it hard to dress up! I stick mostly to wearing slacks for that reason. I find comfortable shoes in Easy Spirit and Clark. I do as Lucy suggested; when I find a comfortable pair that looks good, I buy it in different colors. Summertime is easier, because it's easier to find sandals that look and feel good than dress shoes. Good luck!
Cheryl
I have worn "character shoes"---they are sturdy (dancers wear them on stage), are usually black, have a strap like a Mary Jane, and come in two heights--low 1.5 in and medium 2" . I wore them for tango classes. They do have leather soles, so you will wear them out quickly if you wear them outside in the street. I have a "bad" toe, and they worked for me, although I didn't wear them for 8 hours at a time.
C
All shoes seem to twist and contort your feet to fit them. Some just feel better after the pain than others.
Hi Bucky :)
If you do decide to buy 'character shoes' - buy them on the tight side. They stretch more than a size with not a lot of wear - or at least my daughter's did when she used to dance.
Take care - Scottie :)
Dear Bucky,
The best thing would be a shoe with a slightly higher back sole, not a huge wedge, but something that raises your heel a bit. That is more comfortable than flat shoes.
Soft Spots makes some comfortable shoes. And they have non skid soles usually. Naturalizers, Hush Puppies, Trotters, just Google Comfortable Shoes Women, and check out what's there.
This site lists quite a few, with styles:
http://www.footsmart.com
I have the dancing shoes for evening, one in black suede with shiny parts, and one in silver and gold glitter. they ARE comfortable and low heels. But not for wearing on the street, the soles are very soft leather, which makes them great for dancing (My dancing days are long gone, however). They look marvelous with very dressy pants, for a wedding or special occasion.
I can't wear any heels, or high wedges, or mules or slings, now that I'm so unsteady on my feet. I need a shoe that supports my foot and doesn't create problems that I don't already have!
Keep us posted on what you try and how they work.
Kisses
Elaine
I agree that Naturalizers and Hush Puppies are a good place to start. You might also want to try one of the work uniform stores, to see what they suggest.
My husband has very small feet for a man and has to shop for boy's shoes. Hard to find nice yet comfortable dress shoes in his size. One place that has always helped us is Nordstrom's, a nice department store that started as a shoe store and still specializes in hard to find shoe styles and sizes. If you have access to one, they may be able to help. They have off-price stores called The Rack, where you can get fabulous deals.
Shoes are worth spending money on, if you will be on them all day. Good luck to you.
Genko
Oh Gosh I understand.
I have no problem with tennis type shoes but dress shoes are soooo hard to find that I can wear comfortably and look nice.
I have what I call "boat oar" feet. ;D Long, narrow but wide at the toe. I can't wear pointed toed shoes or heels for that matter. Sigh! :'(
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I did end up getting a pair of "character shoes". I'll need to take them to a shoe repairman and get a rubber heel put on them as they don't have one and are really designed for adding taps. No tap dancing for me! ;D (although, in my younger years always thought that would be fun!)
I also went to the mall and looked at some Easy Spirit shoes - they didn't have much of a selection, and not in my size. :(
I'm going to check out some of the other suggestions mentioned as I could use another pair of shoes too.
There were some cute shoes on that website that Carolina posted. I'm just leery of ordering on-line - I have to try shoes on. I also looked and the closest shoe outlet is three hours away. :(
Thanks again.
Bucky
Hi Bucky
Just wanted to add Echo shoes to your list - oh and Padders. I have arthritis in my feet and am flat footed, so I really understand the need for comfie shoes. In fact, in the winter, I stick to short boots, and wear trousers most of the time.
Kathyx
I think Dr scholls has a line of comfortable and styish shoes. Also check out Schetchers they have several work shoes that are comfy and stylish.
Thanks Sleepy, I was thinking of Skechers! Some of them can be so comfortable, and others not so much (feet ain't what they used to be :D).
Patze
I like Merrell shoes. There are a lot of variety of styles and color not to mention comfort.
Well friends . . . my new "character" shoes were put to the test this week at my new job.
The first few hours were okay . . . by the end of the evening . . . ugh, I couldn't wait to get them off. Although, everyone complained about their shoes by the end of the night - so, I think it was just the fact we ALL stood all night long and it was our first night.
The next two nights I switched to some flat shoes that I have and they did fine.
Today, after working a double shift yesterday, I'm wearing slippers all day!! ;D
I'd still like to find a comfortable, dressy, kind of flat shoe that has some support for my feet. I'm not keen on hitting the malls right now with the holidays coming up and all the people everywhere. I might have to just "make do" with what I have until January rolls around.
Bucky
Hi Bucky :)
There seem to be a lot more possible 'support inserts/orthotics' that one can put in shoes nowadays. Maybe something like that would be useful. I don't know how yoiu stand for long at all. I was waiting in a queue to check in a an eye clinic the other day and i had to hold onto something. My legs just ached and 'stung' by the time I was finished.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Bucky
When I had a job that required me to be on my feet for 8 hours or more my mother made the best suggestion. Get a second pair of comfortable shoes and change shoes part way through your shift. Worked for me.
My hairdresser swears by Clark's brand shoes and of course she's on her feet all day.
I am so confused!! :o
There are soooooo many kinds and brands of shoes out there. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe . . .
Several people mentioned Clarks - so . . . I checked JCPenny on-line and they have them on sale. Of course, the one I like, they don't carry in the store, only on-line. Get my credit card out, ready to order . . . the size I need is not available! :( Grrrrrrrr
Has anyone ever tried the FootSmart Stretchies Slip-ons? They look cute and are suppose to be comfortable.
How about the Soft Style by Hush Puppies, Reagan Slip-Ons?
I would rather try the shoes on, versus ordering them on-line as I'm not sure what size to get - depends on the shoe and the manufacturer. I suppose I just need to go to the mall and try their shoes. I hate the thought of running around - which I really don't have time for.
At least I DO have a pair of shoes that will work for now. I'll think on cat's suggestion about another pair of shoes to change into. I might start out with my "character" shoes and then when my feet get sore, switch to the flats.
The real test begins this Wednesday - opening day. It's going to be a l-o-n-g day.
Bucky
Late last night I tried the JC Penny website one more time in hopes they replenished their Clarks shoe stock - put in my size, BINGO - they had it! ;D Yesterday was the last day for free shipping, so I was hoping they had them.
I have never ordered shoes on-line, so I am hoping these will fit when they come. If they don't, I can return them to the store at the mall. The shoes should arrive at my doorstep within a week (hopefully, sooner).
Cat, I think I will follow your mom's advice, and keep an "extra" pair of shoes at work to switch out if I need them. Actually, this was my MIL's advice years and years ago - she did the same thing.
Thanks everyone for your shoe suggestions.
Bucky
Quote from: Bucky on November 29, 2010, 12:29:00 PM
Several people mentioned Clarks - so . . . I checked JCPenny on-line and they have them on sale. Of course, the one I like, they don't carry in the store, only on-line. Get my credit card out, ready to order . . . the size I need is not available! :( Grrrrrrrr
Is that not typical? I had that problem while trying to take advantage of Cyber Monday sales for my Christmas shopping.
Blue Kat, are Clarke's British? If so, would the sizes be different? We get Clarkes and Kays here, and I really like them.
Kathyx
Hi -
After trying on several pairs of shoes today (again) I think I've found something that will be comfortable. ;D I ended up getting a pair of Mootsies Tootsies at Kohl's. The sign above the shoes said "comfort".
It's not very often that a shoe feels really good when you first put it on. I walked up and down the isle several times. Tried the shoe on, took it off. Tried it on again to check again - took it off. Tried it yet another time to "be sure". Then I put the shoes back in the box and into my cart. ;D They were on sale too. One of my favorite words!!
You know what I wish they made? Back in the 30's,40's and 50's they had shoe clips that you could add to your shoe to dress it up. I wish they still had those. I have "one" single shoe clip that was in with some costume jewelry my Mom gave me years ago. I wish both of them had been in there. :( I'm going to check on Ebay to see if anyone has anything like that they are selling.
I also thought of putting a small dot of glue on a shoe and one of those velcro dots and get something from a fabric store (silk flower, buckle, large jewel, etc.) and glue a velcro dot to that so I can switch 'em out depending on what I'm wearing. OK, nobody steal my idea . . that's how the idea of adding all those different gems came to be on Croc's - someone dressing their pair of shoes up.
Wednesday, I'll put the shoes to test. ;)
Bucky
Shoe Clips! I hadn't thought of that since about 1958!
Your ideas to add style sound fun.
C
I want to check out some of those "Five finger" shoes by Vibram! I have to save up..lol..but they say they are great for PN and runners use them. Like running in socks, but shoes!
Google Vibram.
CAT
Clarks and Reiker's are both good. I've bought several pairs of Reikers "comfortable" shoes (so advertised online) and I love them. Not only are they comfortable, but they are very well made. They have a wide variety of styles--some are classy, some are not. You can find them at zappos.com. Happy shopping!
Peggy1917 ;)
I hope you have found the "magic" shoes by now Bucky! I have tried and tried and am still searching for the perfect shoes.
I have wide feet and take a full orthotic....which by the way my aunt who owned a restaurant highly recommends. Generally I have found you get what you pay for. I am frugal but now submit to spending alot of money on my shoes. The nicest dress shoes I found at the orthotic shop in the basement of the Rochester Mayo Clinic. They had many awesome (but very expensive) choices. I bought Finn Comfort one similar to -Finn Comfort Women's Jerez Schwarz Flats- and I have loved them for years. I also wear Merrill and Keen brand shoes. New Balance tennis shoes seem to accept my full orthotics just fine. Good Luck....my feet are no longer able to tolerate standing or walking for a full shift. I hope it is working out for you. :)
Red
Bucky, You think clip-on ear rings might work as a shoe embellishment...just a thought? New Joy
I have used clip earring for shoes.
You need to check out what type of floor you are on....carpeted?, concrete/marble...ouch!
When I wore suits/ dresses to work I wore naturalizer sling back, pumps and I got them in blk, burgandy, and tan.
For really hard floors you need cushioning, clarks are good, Born are better (cost more but last forever).
With a Dx, under Americans with Disabilities, you are probably able to take breaks? But, with this weak job market I don't know if you want to go there.
I really like Merrell Encore Groove shoes. They're very lightweight slip-ons. They're like low clogs with a little raised part around the heel. They last for years. I wear med-thick socks with them and just slide them off when I'm inside. I get the "diabetic" socks from WalMart - they're thick stretchy cottonish but have very light elastic around the ankles, so no indentations there! They also make the clogs with fur linings. They're like walking on clouds.
Well . . . I tried out the new shoes. The shoes themselves are very comfortable - however, I must put a lot of pressure on my heel, as that where it bothers me. These shoes need some more padding in that area. I tried inserting a heel pad and that seems to help.
Prior to getting the above shoes - one day, I tried out that Dr. Scholl's test at Walmart where you stand on this pad and it evaluates what kind of shoe pad you need and it said I have more pressure on my heel. Of course, the recommended gel sole that they sold to remedy that was something like $30! :o Thanks, but no thanks.
The fact that I'm standing on a hardwood floor doesn't help matters.
I did ask the owner again last week if there was any way we could get an anti-fatigue mat to put where we stand. I told her that standing on the hardwood floor was making my hip hurt. We'll see what, if anything, will be done.
I wear nylons or knee-highs to work, so a thick sock wouldn't help me - although, does sound comfy.
I tried slipping on some clip-on earrings to my shoes from some costume jewelry I have - I could feel the clip part and it bugged me. :(
Thanks for all the suggestions and I'll keep my eyes peeled for the perfect shoe.
Bucky
Look up Klogs online. They are the most comfortable I've found and come in wide width which helps.
I also need full orthotics Do you have a store called Foot Solutions anywhere near? They are very helpful finding shoes, If willing to spend the $, I have found you can get a comfortable pair,although it took trying on alot of shoes!!! They will work with you and order different ones for you to try.
Good luck!
Robinbat - I checked Foot Solutions online - unfortunately, the closest one to me is three hours away. :( It did sound interesting though.
Seaturtle - I looked up Klogs too . . . they look comfortable, but I'm looking for something a little more "dressy" and something that doesn't have an open toe, or open back. I know, picky, picky, picky. ;)
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Bucky